Blog

For My Local Friends

Written by: Debbie

Another chance to network. A great opportunity to meet my friend and author, Janet Conner. I am giving away a free session as one of the door prizes. So make plans to join us!

Register on-line and receive

$5 off your admission.

Making Dreams a Reality

in 2009!

Join us on Thursday, January 15th

from 6:30 to 8:30 pm

for a Girls Night Out

We will kick off the night at Aquastone Well Spa

then end the evening at Maison Rouge

300 Beach Drive N. (entrance on 3rd Ave. N.)

St. Petersburg

Guest Speaker: Janet Conner

Author, Writing Down Your Soul

Free Wine & Appetizers

Great Goody Bag!

Awesome Prizes including $100 Gift Card to Coco Brazil!

$20 Admission in advance, $25 at the door. Attendance is limited to a maximum of 50.

Make your reservation today!

A glass filled with ice cubes held up indoors.

Wednesday evening I decided to go to a local comedy club for some hypnosis. I had heard that a traveling hypnotist was going to be there, to put on a show. How could I resist? I sent this gentleman a note on one of the online boards for hypnosis mentioning that he was going to be in my neck of the woods and I would love to see him. When I didn’t hear back, I figured he was busy with the show and probably didn’t even see the comment. Besides, I am sure I am not the only hypnotist to watch his shows.

So, I set off for the event with my dear, long time friend and webmaster Dona. Did I mention that she is a very dear friend and very loyal, too? (This becomes important soon.) Thinking I am flying under the radar, we arrive at the club (Coconuts) and the owners know me. They know me not as a hypnotist, but rather from my teaching days, so they were pleased to have their daughter’s former teacher visiting. I settled in, incognito as the former teacher, happy as a clam.

When the show began, there was the usual call for volunteers. This particular crowd was going to be a tough sell. So, with the encouragement of my very dear (and loyal) friend, I went up on stage to volunteer. After all, I love hypnosis and I know it is safe, fun and natural. When Patty McGee began his induction, I went down like a brick. Oh yea, I love this feeling and my shoulders were feeling better already.

The fun began. Patty McGee had me convinced I was on a trip into outer space. I was so excited. I love flying of any sort, planes, jets, hot air balloons, so why not a rocket? There I was floating, weightless, in space. Oh my, that felt good.

He did ask me to eat jello that was floating around. Poor guy didn’t know that I HATE jello. You see, I had ponies growing up. My father told me that jello was made from the hooves. Well, if you have ever cleaned a horse or pony hoof before shoeing, you know that jello could never be appealing again. Not to mention, in later years I realized the hoof wasn’t just the shavings. But, I digress.

The time progressed (I’m really not sure how long) and I had a blast. Upon my return to planet earth I showed everyone how Martians dance. Apparently it was quite impressive and this is where I know that if film of this ever shows up anywhere, my dear and loyal friend Dona will make sure it is eliminated and not posted on my site.

A few more tricks and it was time to emerge. Everyone seemed to enjoy the show. After the show, when I was leaving, Patty told me he knew who I was. He was very gracious about my attending his show. I believe he will do very well on the circuit and he will represent hypnosis proudly.

There are those in the hypnosis profession who practice in an office that don’t approve of stage hypnosis. They feel that it gives our chosen vocation a black eye. I disagree. When done properly it is a great tool for educating the public while having a rollicking good time. Patty McGee is very professional. He has a baby face that you want to trust and he is true to his word. He did not ask me to do anything that I would be ashamed of. (Although I am not so sure I am proud of the dance, simply because I was once asked to leave dance classes as a child and haven’t improved much since!)

Did I mention that Dona is a very dear and loyal friend?

People gathered inside a cozy store setting.

Things Are Looking Up!

Written by: Debbie

Last Saturday I was scheduled to give a 2 hour talk on making your mind recession proof. This was a free talk I was giving in honor of World Hypnotism Day. It was held at Oak Trail Books, a lovely book store that hosts this event annually for me.

Press releases were sent out in advance and the result was amazing. I am still receiving calls from folks who saw articles written about the event in newspapers and periodicals I was unaware of. Our local CBS affiliate had me on in the morning show, at 5:45 a.m. and 6:45a.m.! (That was a testimony to my dedication to hypnosis, trust me. I drove an hour to be there, getting me out of bed at 3:20 a.m. I believe my son was just going to bed as I was waking up.) The interviews were fun, I was given the opportunity to put two different producers into trance, live on the air.

The phone at the store rang off the hook. There were so many people calling to say they would attend, we decided to break the hour into two one hour segments. That way, more could attend comfortably, we figured. The building was filled to capacity. The second event, we moved outside to a lovely garden area the store has, it was full. I ended up giving a third talk on Sunday, so those who could not fit into the first two were able to attend.

At the end of each talk, I did a short hypnotic journey. Reminding people of times they felt happy, safe and content. I asked that they make the memory as real as possible, recalling familiar smells, sounds and images. We intensified the memory as if we were creating a movie in our minds. When the moment of contentment arrived, we placed our index finger and thumb together to make a physical anchor for that moment. Breathing it in and feeling our contentment, we felt our fingers. We repeated this process 3 times. Now, the simple memory of that moment, touching the fingers together and a deep breath will help us handle any situation life may hand us with calm grace.

For me, the pleasure was seeing so many people walk away with some new idea that they could use in their own life to better their thoughts. I tried to fit as much into each hour as I could. Perhaps my favorite suggestion for one and all is to look up. That’s right, look up. You see, when we look up as we discuss a concern, the emotion drains and we can get into fact finding and solution creating. Think about it this way, when we pray, we look up to the heavens. When we feel optimistic we say, “things are looking up”. Where does a person who is depressed look?

So my friends, look up! Speak your concerns while looking up, then breathe deep and close your eyes. Allow your eyes to relax and begin to imagine a future moment where the concern is behind you. You are now looking ahead, fear is behind you. Breathe into that moment, that solution and realize that fear only exists in your thoughts.

World Hypnotism Day

Written by: Debbie

Time for the fifth annual celebration of World Hypnotism Day. Tomorrow, January 4th is the official day, however, my event is being held today. As I have traditionally done in the past, I am holding my event at Oak Trail Books. We will be addressing how to Recession Proof Your Mind.

This event is a great chance for the world to see how safe, natural and life improving the practice of regular self-hypnosis is. It is amazing how our bodies are built to help us, if we just pay attention. Deep breathing, helps us to relax, think clearly and even lower our blood pressure. Exercise releases endorphins, those feel good chemicals. Visualization sets the mind on the road to success.

I must keep this short, as I am off to Oak Trail Books. Here are some links to interviews I did on television (local CBS affiliate, 10Connects) This was fun, I was asked to put two different producers under on the air! The St. Petersburg Times reporter wrote a lovely article as well.

If you are local, please stop by, this promises to be a fun event. if not, check out http://www.worldhypnotismday.com/ for an event near you.

Hockey fans watching game in crowded arena.

Ringing In The New Year

Written by: Debbie

I have not posted much recently. In answer to Ms. Eleni, yes I am still alive. I simply have been taking my own advice and spending time with my family and fun. I love hypnosis, live hypnosis, breathe deeply hypnosis, however, I must take a break to play, if I am to be any good at what I do.

I have been fortunate, I was invited to see Chitty, Chitty Bang Bang performed on stage at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. I watched my beloved Lightening Hockey team win while sitting in a private suite. I am attending the Outback Bowl on New Year’s Day. So, all in all, some pretty fun stuff.

My wish for all my friends near and far is a glorious New Year’s Eve, filled with love and laughter. Start 2009 with a healthy mind set. Look forward to all the possiblities that life has to offer.

I will keep this short and sweet for now. Just take a moment and breathe in all that helps you feel good. Reflect on what progress you have made in the past year, what you did right and who in your life brings you joy. Then, take those feelings forward with you, imagine a time in 2009 where you enjoy the fellowship of these same people and begin to create possible events in your life where you can spend that precious time with them.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Sticky notes labeled 'Mental Health' on a psychology book cover.

Six Tips To Avoid Stress Eating

Written by: Debbie

Last night at Dr. Lara’s office we had a great time. The group was large, yet felt intimate. People openly shared what their downfalls are as they embark upon the journey of healthier living. Over and over the obstacle of stress came up, it was a hot button for sure.

Dr. Lara explained that stress helps in the creation of a hormone called cortisol, which lowers the body’s levels of serotonin (a “feel good” hormone). Lower levels of serotonin triggers a craving for carbohydrates. We discussed ways to cope with stress, diet changes (lean proteins over simple carbohydrates) and practical tips on avoiding eating when stressed.

Here are six tips I can offer you:

Take action! Exercise releases chemicals into the brain that will counteract the effects of stress. 10 – 15 minutes of exercise will distract the mind and allow you to change your focus. I keep hand weights in my kitchen. If tempted to snack, I do 10 minutes of repetitions in order to earn that snack. Nine times out of ten, I don’t want the snack anymore and I begin to collect my thoughts.
Eat consciously. Place the utensil down between bites and chew. Savor the flavor and textures of your food. When you pay attention the taste and smell of your food, meals are more satisfying and temptation is reduced.
Chew sugarless gum. If you grab a piece of sugarless gum, you are less likely to put other foods into your mouth.
Schedule your eating. By keeping a set schedule of meals and snacks, you create a new routine. This will keep hunger at bay and train your mind to remain on target. Forget skipping meals, that only leads to disaster as the night wears on.
Create a journal of your emotions. Feeling stressed, feeling blue? Write it out. Studies have shown that writing about your feelings helps lead to resolutions and solutions to those same issues.
Practice relaxation techniques. taking a long hot bath or trading a massage with a loved one feels a whole lot better than any junk food tastes!

We experienced some relaxation techniques last night. I worked with the group to focus on each muscle group and send it comfort and relaxation. They gave themselves permission to enjoy the moment, feeling safe and serene. Next they were asked to think of a special person, perhaps a child, or another whom they would treat with total respect and love. They were told to feel that emotion for the other, than transfer that to themselves. Knowing they deserve the same love and respect. Reminding them that they love their body, for that is where they live; they would start treating that body with the same love and respect they would treat a loved one with. Finally, we took a journey to a special event, seeing all the foods available. It was easy and natural to choose healthy foods, because of the respect they were now experiencing.

At the end of the night, the room was quiet and filled with a gentle sense of calm and caring. Caring for each other, caring for ourselves. It was a blessing to experience that moment.

Pencil on a standardized test answer sheet.

Life Tests You

Written by: Debbie

Last night I went to St Petersburg College right before exams were scheduled to begin. It was an opportunity to help out test stressed students. Prior to this, the students were sent an email with study hints and asked to visit my website video that explains what hypnosis is and is not. After a very brief explanation of hypnosis, I was able to take the students into a relaxed state of trance and review with them how they had all the information stored in their fabulous subconscious minds.

We reviewed the previous semester, revisiting the time line of classes and the information that they had learned. Next, they were given a physical anchor (simply pressing the thumb and index finger together and taking a deep breath) at each part of the time line they visited. They were told that repeating this during the test would enable them to recall the information as needed. The students were reminded that this was an opportunity to show off their knowledge and so they took those butterflies in their stomach and used them as feelings of excited anticipation.

Finally, we moved into the future, picturing and imagining the test paper results. They felt the pride and joy at having achieved such great grades. They realized that this was the beginning of many opportunities life would present them. They returned feeling strong, empowered and ready to succeed.

I have already received feedback from a professor who is thrilled with the results. Better grades than she had expected from her class. Is life great, or what?!

Tonight I am working with a local weight management doctor. He is a fabulous man, very dedicated to the success of his patients. The holidays present special challenges for people who are shedding those excess pounds. So, we are going to discuss holiday stresses and events. I will guide the group through a buffet filled with food, creating a desire to enjoy small quantities of healthy foods, a simple taste of one special treat and the amazing awareness of being in control!

If you are local, I would love to meet you there. So, for more information, please check out Dr. Cesar Lara’s website at: Dr. Cesar A. Lara M.D.

Woman smiling, wearing red and orange blouse.

Monday Morning Musings….

Written by: Debbie

Saturday evening the annual Golf Cart Parade was held in my neighborhood. It is a fun tradition, that has turned into something quite positive. Those who choose to participate decorate their golf carts for the holidays. We ride through our little community, singing and laughing and making happy noises to attract the attention of the families inside. When the children come out to see us, we throw beads and candy. The kids love this, their parents love this and most assuredly we love this fun.

The participants also bring canned goods, to share with the local food pantry. Funny thing, when telling this to a new participant she seemed a bit concerned. In fact, her face looked pale and grim at first. Somehow, she thought we were going to throw canned goods as we rode and collect candy! I couldn’t control my laughter as I saw her face and imagined the stunned look of neighbors as they ducked from the flying missiles, much as President Bush avoided the flying shoes.

It is my hope to see the neighbors bring out canned goods we can collect as we ride through next year. This tradition is a great way to teach children holiday cheer and the fun of sharing. It reminds me that the holidays are not just about “stuff”.

Last night was the first of many book signings for my dear friend and author, Janet Conner. It was a lovely event, held in a cottage home in the grand “old” area of St. Petersburg. There was a jazz pianist playing softly in the background, food and drink and of course plenty of books. So many of her friends showed up in support, such wonderful people. The room was filled with love and joy, I just had to stop and close my eyes and breathe it all in. Interestingly, an amazing assortment of aromas became clear to me as I did. A fire in the fireplace, yummy foods, scented candles, even the colognes of the attendees. I was able to anchor the love, the joy and the contentment I felt in that moment with the sound of the music and friendly chatter, the scents I was enjoying and the feel of the book in my hands. Divine!

Janet Conner has written a wonderful book titled, Writing Down Your Soul, How to Activate and Listen to the Extraordinary Voice Within. In this book, Janet walks readers through the four steps that awakens access to divine guidance through writing by hand. Janet is a columnist for UPI’s religoun and spirituality.com. She is also the creator of Spiritual Geography, the deep soul writing system that heals the broken heart. More information about her book is available at www.WritingDownYourSoul.com

Yesterday On Channel 10

Written by: Debbie

Once again I visited with the anchors at 10Connects.com. I have been unable to load the interview here, so I will share the link here. These moments pass so quickly, we can never cover all we hope to. Still, it is great fun to be inside the studio and see how things work. Plus, they are a great team over there.

Thank 10Connects for all your support!

Santa Claus figurine with fur hat and beard.

Monday Morning Musings….

Written by: Debbie

Last night I began the fun of decorating for the holidays. We brought boxes out of storage with the linens and decorations. My Christmas plates and special mugs were washed and are ready for use. Christmas soaps and candles were placed in the bathrooms. My Santa collection is spread through out the house. My creche is on the fireplace, awaiting the arrival of Baby Jesus. I baked some cookies while we decorated, I love the smell of baking cookies. (My husband and son loved the cookies, I think we have one left!) The tree was given lights, but no ornaments, yet. I will work on that through out the week. I have several commitments and so it will have to be a process in work, much like myself.

My husband put the lights on the tree. He will be decorating the outside as well. We have an annual golf cart parade, the carts are decorated and we throw candy to the neighborhood children as we go through our little community. My husband will prepare a pathway for the carts to park at our home as well. After all, it gets cold on those carts, so hot cocoa or a hot toddy are in order when we stop by here.

My son is helping with the tree trimming. Now that he drives, he is sent on those emergency runs for extra lights, hooks or whatever else is needed. He is first assistant to the light master as well.

I am invited to a party tonight. The hostess has asked that we each bring a dish to share.

There is a reason I am sharing so many trivial details and I promise it isn’t just to fill white space. I want to give examples of how I avoid stress. I delegate. We share in the fun and the tasks. We all will benefit from the events, so I don’t have to be a martyr and complete everything on my own.

What is more, it is fun to do this as a team. We are enjoying the process. I am not determined that things have to look a certain way. Everyone has a vote in how the decorations go up and where. I have relinquished control. Interestingly, it may not be my vision, but when all is done, it is a vision and a joy.

Take a moment, close your eyes and breath deep. Relax and listen to the quiet. Perhaps you can recall a favorite Christmas tune. Breath in and recall a favorite Christmas aroma. (I wonder if it is the pine tree or a candle or maybe cookies baking?) Imagine having your holidays in peace, joy and filled with laughter. Visualize you and your loved ones enjoying the events leading up to the holidays as a team. Now go out there and do it!

Joy to the world!

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